Rakops bar fight ends with man shot, cop injured
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday September 3, 2025 10:10
Confirming the incident, Rakops Police Station commander, Superintendent Joel Machete, said the fight broke out when police officers who were on duty patrolling the village attempted to disperse a crowd that had gathered in front of a bar which was operating beyond stipulated hours.
“A group of alcohol imbibers who were against the police’s move turned violent and attacked the officers,” Machete said. During the scuffle, a 24-year-old man of Rakops allegedly ended up hitting a 34-year-old police officer on the head with a bottle before attempting to stab him with a sharp object. The officer managed to dodge the attack, but his uniform was torn in the tussle.
Whilst fighting, another police officer reportedly shot the man who was fighting his colleague in the leg, leaving him injured. He was taken to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
In a twist of events, Machete disclosed that the suspect is already facing a pending robbery case. He is alleged to have been part of a group that attacked and robbed an off-duty police officer at knifepoint in March this year in his policing area.
“He is currently on bail for that robbery case and was supposed to have appeared before Letlhakane Magistrate's Court for mention yesterday (Monday),” Machete added.